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13 Steps to Stop Making Excuses and Get Results in Your Life
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Stop comparing
When you are comparing yourself to others, you are probably only seeing part of the whole picture.
If you are making an excuse not to try something new, because you are comparing yourself to others who are experts in the field, remember that they were also inexperienced at some stage.
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Stop fearing the unknown
The unknown can be scary, but it may not be a negative thing. Many good things can come from taking a step into the unknown.
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Stop blaming others
Playing the blame game is very destructive. The blame game entails blaming someone else for something that happened to you and staying convinced that it was someone else's fault.
Instead, be proactive and make the necessary changes to resolve a situation.
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Take responsibility
Take ownership of your own actions and their consequences to gain the respect of other people.
Indirect responsibility involves moving beyond yourself to take necessary action to help other people.
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Take action
Part of taking action involves taking risks with the big plans you have in mind.
Stop making excuses and take the action that is needed.
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Set small, attainable goals
Many people feel overwhelmed with large goals and so they don't know where to start.
Break down your ultimate goal into many smaller goals that are attainable, so you can make progress.
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Learn from your mistakes
Mistakes are learning opportunities. One can analyze what went wrong, what to avoid and how to do better in the future.
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Don’t focus on your weaknesses
Be aware of your weaknesses, but do not focus on them. Focus on your strengths.
Delegate the tasks where you know you will not be able to do a good job.
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You have the power to change
Do not make excuses for being complacent. It only takes motivation to change. If you feel unsure of how to change, enlist some help from other people.
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Self-efficacy
Having self-efficacy means you are confident in your own abilities to handle situations.
Rise to the challenge to overcome the hardships that comes your way.
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Visualize your success
Visualize what achieving your goal will look and feel like. It can motivate you to accomplish your goals.
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You’re not perfect
No one is perfect. Accept your mistakes and realize that other people are willing to accept your mistakes as well, especially if you own up an learn from them.
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A habit that can be changed
Making excuses is a habit that is limiting your ability to meet your full potential.
But you can change the habit of making excuses. Find out what you are really trying to avoid (for example, doing extra work or giving up your free time) and address the issues head on.
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SIMILAR ARTICLES & IDEAS:
13
Key Ideas
Defining excuses
Excuses are rationalizations we make to ourselves about people, events, and circumstances.
They are invented reasons we create to defend our behavior, to postpone taking action or simpl...
The Fear Trap
We make excuses for the following key reasons:
- Fear of Failure
- Fear of Embarrassment
- Fear of Success
- Fear of Change
- Fear of Uncertainty
- Fear of Responsibility
- Fear of Making Mistakes
- Perceived lack of confidence or resources
'There’s just not enough time'
It suggests the wrong priorities or time management problems. It could also indicate laziness or procrastination.
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Key Ideas
Excuse-making
It's a defense mechanism you use in the battle between your positive self-identity and the common challenges of everyday life.
This habit comes down to an inherent need to protect your...
The self-serving bias
It encourages you to claim your successes and to deflect your failures.
When something good happens, you take the credit, but when something bad happens, you blame it on something out of your control.
Common types of excuses
- Lies: This is one of the worst types of excuses—a straight-up lie.
- Self-handicapping excuses: Such as “I don’t have the skills to do that”, or “That’s not my job.”
- Blame-shifting excuses: Instead of putting the blame on your lack of abilities, you accuse external factors for your missteps or lack of performance.
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Key Ideas
Excuses Breed More Failure
When you are disappointed, you have two choices on how to respond: You can find out how you could have done it differently, or you can tell yourself that you were not at fault.
Personal Responsibility Breeds Success
Making excuses allows you to externalize your failures and blame something else. It also demotivates you when you feel the outcomes in your life are out of your control.
Taking up responsibility does the opposite: It leads to introspection where you can analyze what you could have done differently. It will motivate you to work better and harder.
How To Stop Making Excuses
It all comes down to the stories you tell yourself when you feel overwhelmed or fail.
If you work too much and don’t have time for fun, do you tell yourself that people demand too much from you? Or, do you tell yourself you don’t prioritize your own time well enough?
In one story you are in control, and the other you are not. Focus on the story you can control.